Steven LaChance Blog

Autogenocide might sound like something straight out of a dystopian novel, but it’s a concept that’s increasingly being discussed—and hotly debated—in our society today. In its simplest form, autogenocide is about a society causing massive self-harm through its own policies and actions. It’s a blend of “auto” (self) and “genocide” (the systematic destruction of a group), and it forces us to ask difficult questions about how a nation can, over time, work against its own interests. As Heather Marsh once put it, “Autogenocide: Genocide instigated remotely, usually through media incited sectarianism or trade of drugs or weapons to the targeted population, but performed by the population on itself.” This isn’t just academic jargon—it’s a way to describe how internal decisions and collective behavior can erode the very fabric of society.

Think back to historical examples like the Khmer Rouge’s reign in Cambodia, where a regime, composed largely of members of the same community, set in motion policies that decimated its own people. The debate then was intense, with some arguing that the violence was too complex to be labeled simply as “self-destruction.” Today, the conversation has shifted to our own backyard. Many voices argue that certain policies—especially those emerging during the Trump administration—are setting the stage for a modern form of autogenocide. Critics claim that when government actions tear apart the social fabric, it can feel like watching a community commit slow-motion suicide.

Consider the issue of systemic racism. Decades of discriminatory practices—from redlining to mass incarceration—have created conditions where marginalized communities suffer disproportionately. Some activists and scholars warn that these cumulative effects resemble what they call “black genocide.” They argue that when entire communities face shorter life expectancies and fewer opportunities, it’s more than just inequality—it’s a self-inflicted wound that could eventually decimate a population. As one observer controversially stated, “When you start to see whole communities with significantly shorter life spans, you have to ask: Are we witnessing a slow, self-inflicted genocide?”

Then there’s the matter of political polarization and divisive media rhetoric. The incendiary language used by leaders in recent years, particularly during the Trump era, has deepened societal divisions. When political leaders frame issues in terms of “us versus them,” it creates an atmosphere where social trust erodes and communities fracture. One political analyst boldly remarked, “When the state turns its back on its own people, it’s like setting a self-destruct button on the nation.” Such rhetoric doesn’t just inflame passions—it can lead to policies that further dismantle the public safety nets, making it harder for citizens to thrive.

Public health is another arena where these ideas come into sharp focus. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed glaring inequalities in healthcare and economic support, and many saw the government’s patchy response as part of a larger pattern of neglect. Some public health experts have controversially argued, “When your policies lead to preventable deaths on a massive scale, you’re not just failing as a government—you’re effectively waging a war on your own people.” Such statements, though provocative, capture the heart of the autogenocide debate: the idea that internal neglect can be just as deadly as external aggression.

What makes this discussion so unsettling—and why it’s drawing attention from various groups—is that it challenges us to rethink the long-term effects of our policies. It forces us to consider whether our economic decisions, political rhetoric, and even our public health strategies might be contributing to a slow self-destruction. Many supporters see it as a call to action, urging us to recognize that when policies systematically undermine the well-being of large segments of the population, the consequences can be catastrophic. “We have to choose whether we’re going to heal our nation or watch it tear itself apart from within,” one activist warned.

Whether you agree with the label or not, the concept of autogenocide compels us to confront uncomfortable truths about power and responsibility. It isn’t merely a theoretical exercise—it’s a reflection of real-world dynamics that many argue are already at work. As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: if we’re serious about protecting our communities and ensuring a future for all, we must critically examine the policies that divide us and consider their long-term impact on our society.